Find a list of our dedicated staff and Board of Directors below. Then, meet KidsVoice team members in our Staff Q&A series!

Our work is made possible by our generous donors, with special thanks to the Guardian Society, as well as our Pro Bono partners.

Staff

Management

Scott Hollander

Executive Director

Scott has a BA degree from Tufts University and a JD degree from the University of Michigan. Scott joined KidsVoice in 1999 with six years of previous experience representing children at the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center and at Evans Ivory private law firm. Scott has taught child advocacy and trial skills as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver College of Law and as an adjunct professor in the Civil and Family Justice Clinic at Duquesne University Law School. Scott received the 2004 Child Advocate of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the 2004 Child Advocacy Award from the American Bar Association for his work at KidsVoice.

Jonathan Budd

Associate Executive Director

Jonathan has a BA in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin, an MA in Public Affairs from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota, and a JD from the University of Pittsburgh. Jonathan joined KidsVoice in 2003 and had extensive prior experience in juvenile programming, nonprofit administration and human resources. He worked as a counselor for delinquent and at-risk youth in residential and community settings, as a program manager for the United States Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, as Assistant Director of Jewish Family & Children's Service, and as a labor and employment attorney for Reed Smith.

Danell Cooper

Director of Finance and Administration

Danell has a BA degree in Business Administration - Accounting with a concentration in Computer Science from Westminster College and an MBA with a concentration in Management from Duquesne University. Danell also has Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant certifications. Danell re-joined KidsVoice in 2022 after a brief hiatus. She had over 30 years of previous experience in auditing and as a Controller and Chief Financial Officer in manufacturing and non-profit organizations.

Supervisors

Kristin Flory

Supervising Attorney

Kristin has a BS degree in Political Science with minors in Childhood Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s Studies from Rutgers University and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Kristin joined KidsVoice in 2011 and had two years of prior experience in child advocacy.

Lila Harris

Supervising Attorney

Lila has a BA degree in Sociology from Trent University and a JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Lila joined KidsVoice in 2011.

Jennifer McGarrity

Supervising Attorney

Jennifer has a BS degree in Elementary Education from Duquesne University and a JD degree from the University of Dayton School of Law. Jennifer joined KidsVoice in 2005 and had nine years of prior experience in the legislative and family law areas.

Stephanie Pawlowski

Supervising Attorney

Stephanie has a BA degree in Religious Studies from Bethany College and a JD from the University of Buffalo Law School, SUNY. Stephanie received an award for Outstanding Achievement in the Areas of Children’s Rights and Family Violence from the Women Lawyers of Western New York in 2003. Stephanie joined KidsVoice in 2013 and had 10 years of prior experience as a law clerk for the Anchorage, Alaska, Superior Court, a public defender, family law attorney, and child advocate. Stephanie has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and cared for children as a licensed foster parent.

Angelica Shepard

Supervising Attorney

Angie has a BA degree with a double major in English and Psychology from St. Vincent College and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.  Before joining KidsVoice in 2017, she was a litigator (and partner) in one of Pittsburgh's largest law firms, where she practiced for more than 16 years in the areas of insurance coverage, commercial transactions, personal injury, and products liability.

Tom Welshonce

Supervising Attorney

Tom has a BA degree in Psychology from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Tom joined KidsVoice in 2008 and had four years of prior experience in corporate law.

Attorneys

Royse Bachtel

Staff Attorney

Royse has a BA in Political Science from Allegheny College, where she graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Royse has her JD from Duquesne University, where she participated in its Appellate Moot Court program and Youth Advocacy Clinic. Royse joined KidsVoice in 2021.

Samantha Barclay

Staff Attorney

Samantha has a BA degree in Political Science and Sociology from Washington & Jefferson College. She earned her JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Samantha previously interned at a local magisterial district judge’s office, and joined KidsVoice in 2019 after four years of working as a real estate attorney.

Alayna Bartko

Staff Attorney

Alayna has a BS in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Alayna joined KidsVoice in 2019 after being a Certified Legal Intern in the office. Her Equal Justice Works Fellowship, sponsored by PNC Bank and Reed Smith, LLP, focused on the opioid epidemic.

Brianna Bell

Equal Justice Works Fellow 
Sponsored by PNC Bank and Reed Smith, LLP

Brianna has a BA degree in Religious Studies and English from Franklin & Marshall College and a JD degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law with a certificate in Public Policy. Brianna joined KidsVoice in 2020 as a certified legal intern. Her Equal Justice Works Fellowship, sponsored by PNC Bank and Reed Smith, LLP, focuses on special education. 

Lucy Burgunder

Staff Attorney

Lucy has a BS in Social Work from Temple University and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.  Lucy joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had two years of prior experience in Family Law and Civil Litigation.

Lexus Cersosimo

Staff Attorney

Lexus has a BA in psychology from Duquesne University and a JD from Duquesne University School of Law. Lexus joined KidsVoice in 2023 with three years of prior experience in family law. While at Duquesne Law, Lexus was awarded the Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student Award for her work in the school's Family Law Clinic.

Alyssa Drake

Staff Attorney

Alyssa has a BA degree in International Relations from Duquesne University and a JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law.  Upon graduation, Alyssa was awarded the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Outstanding Student Award and was recognized for her pro bono service. Alyssa joined KidsVoice in 2018 and after a brief hiatus returned in 2023 with two years of prior family law experience.

Jonah Fish-Gertz

Staff Attorney

Jonah has a BA degree in History and Philosophy & Religion from Elmira College. He obtained a JD from Temple University. Prior to joining KidsVoice, Jonah worked as a Staff Attorney for Franklin Ciybty Legal Services, and as a law clerk in the 39th Judicial District for the honorable Jeremiah D. Zook. Jonah hails from a small town in New York that used to be named Podunk.

Jeff Gdovin

Senior Staff Attorney

Jeff has a BS degree in Secondary Education, Social Studies, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law.  Jeff joined KidsVoice in 2017 after almost two years of prior experience in family law, civil litigation, and estate planning.

Danielle Iman

Senior Staff Attorney

Danielle has a BS degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University and a JD degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Danielle joined KidsVoice in 2012.

Erin Krotoszynski

Staff Attorney

Erin has a BA degree in Political Science from Clarion University and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Erin joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had three years of previous experience as a legal aid attorney.

Jessica Kuvinka

Staff Attorney

Jess has a BA degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice and minors in psychology and German from Duquesne University. Jess has a JD degree from Duquesne University. Jess joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had 5 years of previous experience as a real estate attorney. She previously interned with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania under Justice Wecht. 

Sophie Lee

Staff Attorney

Sophie has a BS degree in Psychology from Penn State University and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Upon graduating from law school, Sophie was awarded the Outstanding Law Student award. The National Association of Women Lawyers recognized her contributions towards the advancement of women in law and society. Sophie joined KidsVoice in 2024 after serving as a judicial law clerk. 

Robert Lykos

Senior Staff Attorney

Robert has a BA degree in English Literature from Rhodes College and a JD degree from the University of Denver College of Law. Robert joined KidsVoice in 2006 and had one year of prior experience in immigration law.

Amanda Meighan

Staff Attorney

Amanda joined KidsVoice in November of 2017 as an Attorney on the Education team.  Mandy received her BA in International Commerce & Negotiations and Business Administration from Washington & Jefferson College and a JD degree and Health Law Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.  While at the University of Pittsburgh, Mandy advocated on behalf of children with disabilities as a Fellow with the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Center and was ultimately awarded the Dick Thornburgh Prize for Public Service.  Mandy joined the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Presidential Management Fellow directly after law school, working at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Acquisitions, the Office of Regional Counsel, and Human Resources. 

Arjun Mishra

Staff Attorney

Arjun is from upstate New York. He earned his BA and BS degrees from Syracuse University and his JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh.  Arjun joined KidsVoice in 2018. Prior to KidsVoice, Arjun worked as an immigration lawyer, representing clients in business, family, and humanitarian immigration matters.

Samantha Moyer

Staff Attorney

Samantha has a BS degree in Social Work from Slippery Rock University and a JD degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  Samantha joined KidsVoice in 2014 and had two years of prior experience in criminal and family law.

Jane Myhers

Senior Staff Attorney

Jane has a BA degree in Sociology from the University of California, Irvine, and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.  Jane joined KidsVoice in 2017 and had two years of prior experience as an Associate practicing in Family Law and Civil Litigation. 

Kristen Ornato

Senior Staff Attorney

Kristen has a BA degree in Political Science and Anthropology and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and a JD degree from American University Washington School of Law. Kristen joined KidsVoice in 2014 and had 18 years of prior experience in Tax, Employee Benefits, Wealth Planning, Corporate Administration and Trust Administration.

Amy Racunas

Staff Attorney

Amy has BA degree in English from Pennsylvania State University and a JD degree from American University Washington College of Law.  Amy joined KidsVoice in 2024 with 18 years of prior experience in public service, juvenile and family law as well as as an Education and Medical Guardian and School Liaison.

Rachel Rosnick

Staff Attorney

Rachel has a BA degree in Sociology and Political Science, a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs, and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Rachel joined KidsVoice in 2020 and had 10 years' previous experience at small firms and in private practice.

Deirdre Shope

Senior Staff Attorney

Deirdre has a BA degree in Communications from the University of Virginia and a JD degree from Suffolk University.  Deirdre joined KidsVoice in 2017 and had three years' prior experience as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate in Pittsburgh and as an Assistant Public Defender in Agana, Guam.

Brenton Sige

Staff Attorney

Brenton has a BS degree in Psychology from Saint Vincent College and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Brenton joined KidsVoice in 2023 and had one year of previous experience as a CYF solicitor.

John Sembrat

Staff Attorney

John has a BS degree from the University of Tennessee and JD from Duquesne University Kline School of Law. John joined KidsVoice in 2024 and had 9 years of previous experiene as a family law attorney in private practice.

Elizabeth Smith

Staff Attorney

Elizabeth has a BA degree in Marketing from Westminster College and a JD from Duquesne University Law School. Elizabeth joined KidsVoice in 2023 after gaining experience as an education attorney in the private sector.

Marcus Spisso

Staff Attorney

Marcus has a BA degree in History and Political Science from The Pennsylvania State University and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Marcus joined KidsVoice in 2019 and had two years of prior juvenile advocacy experience. While at Dickinson Law, Marcus was named a Public Interest Scholar and awarded the Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student Award for his work in the school’s Children’s Advocacy Clinic.

Anne Terrien

Staff Attorney

Anne has a BA in International Affairs and Geography from The George Washington University and a JD from the University of Wisconsin. Anne joined KidsVoice in 2022 and had 5 1/2 years of previous experience as a public defender, prosecutor, and county attorney.

John Valantassis

Staff Attorney

John has a BA degree in Economics from Haverford College and a JD degree from Temple Law School. John joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had nine years of previous experience representing families of children with disabilities.

Lynda Vernon

Staff Attorney

Lynda has a BS in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and a JD from Duquesne University School of Law. Lynda joined KidsVoice in 2019 and had three years’ of previous experience in criminal and family law. 

Rachel Wilcove

Staff Attorney

Rachel has a BA in Political Science & Sociology and a JD from Penn State Dickison Law School. Rachel joined KidsVoice in 2024, bringing her years of experience as an education attorney. She also previously worked as a third grade teacher. 

Ryan Wilityer

Staff Attorney

Ryan has a BA degree in criminal justice from the University of Delaware, and a JD from Duquesne School of Law. Ryan joined KidsVoice in 2023 with three years of experience in family. Prior to joining KidsVoice Ryan was an Assistant District Attorney in Mercer County. During his time there he oversaw the Mercer County Treatment Court program.

Micah Wright

Senior Staff Attorney
Legal Training Coordinator

Micah has a BA degree in International Politics from Pennsylvania State University and a JD from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University.  Micah joined KidsVoice in 2017 after nearly three years of experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny County.

Tara Yontz

Senior Staff Attorney
Legal Training Coordinator

Tara has a BS degree from the University of South Carolina, an MSW degree from Hawaii Pacific University and a JD from Capital University Law School with a concentration in Child & Family Law. Tara joined KidsVoice in 2015 with two years of experience in adoption, permanency support, and sexual abuse treatment and two years of legal experience as a hearing officer in juvenile court and estate research.  Tara was awarded the Above and Beyond Advocate Award in 2017.

Child Advocacy Specialists

Sharon Broker

Senior Child Advocacy Specialist

Sharon has a BA degree in Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Duquesne University and an MS degree in General Human Services from Capella University. Sharon joined KidsVoice in 2008 and had seven years of prior experience in the child advocacy and counseling in foster care and group home settings.

Matthew Carlin

Child Advocacy Specialist

Matthew has an MS degree in Sports Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania and a BA degree in Sociology from Westminster College.  Matthew joined KidsVoice in 2019 and had six previous years of experience advocating for children and their families.

Suzy Carnevali-Doan

Child Advocacy Specialist

Suzy has a BA degree in Sociology and Spanish and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Suzy has previous experience working with children and immigrant and refugee populations. Suzy joined KidsVoice in 2023 and is thrilled for this new experience.

Jennifer Chapman

Child Advocacy Specialist

Jennifer has a BS degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. A former intern at KidsVoice, Jennifer returned to KidsVoice in 2020 after working in the behavioral health field.

Ben Cook

Senior Child Advocacy Specialist

Ben has a BA degree in Theater Arts and MS degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Ben joined KidsVoice in 2004 and had six years of prior experience in behavioral health and developmental disabilities services for hearing and Deaf children/adolescents in special education, and in family-based and residential treatment. Ben has served for over 10 years as the Youth and Services Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Ben was awarded the Pittsburgh “40 under 40” award in 2007 and the Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2010.

Shelly Cook

Senior Child Advocacy Specialist

Shelly has a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Shelly joined KidsVoice in 2015 and had 14 years of prior experience in group home counseling and case management.

Alexa Crippen

Child Advocacy Specialist
Staff Development Coordinator

Alexa has a BA degree in Psychology, a BS degree in Sociology and an MSW degree from the University of Pittsburgh.  Alexa joined KidsVoice in 2018 and had six years of previous experience in the child therapy, child advocacy, and foster care casework areas, two years of which were in a supervisory capacity.  In addition, Alexa interned with Homewood Children's Village and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Allegheny County.

Paige Haggerty

Child Advocacy Specialist

Paige has a BA in Sociology from Penn State University and a Master's degree in Social Work from University of Pittsburgh. Paige joined KidsVoice in 2019 after previously working at a foster care agency for a year. Paige is a Licensed Social Worker.

Kelby Haskins

Child Advocacy Specialist

Kelby has a BA degree from Lock Haven University, an MBA from Chatham University, and an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh.  Kelby joined KidsVoice in 2017 and had 11 years of prior experience working in Residential Treatment Facilities, as a therapist in public schools, and working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and other mental health disorders. 

Cassandra Musta

Child Advocacy Specialist

Cassandra has a BA degree in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.Ed degree from Carlow University. Cassandra joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had five years' experience as a youth advocate and seven years' experience working in education.

Arianna Ordway

Child Advocacy Specialist

Arianna has a BA degree in Psychology and Sociology from Duquesne University. Arianna joined KidsVoice in 2023 and had 3.5 years of previous experience as a child welfare caseworker in Allegheny County.

Katelyn Poremski

Child Advocacy Specialist

Katelyn has a BA degree in Psychology from Point Park University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Katelyn is a Licensed Social Worker. She completed her Masters-level internship with KidsVoice in 2019. Katelyn joined the KidsVoice staff in 2019.

Tiffany Russell

Child Advocacy Specialist

Tiffany has a BS degree in Criminal Justice from South Carolina State University and an MS degree from Kaplan University. Tiffany joined KidsVoice in 2006 and had seven years of prior experience in juvenile corrections, independent living, and foster care.

Rebecca Shafer

Senior Child Advocacy Specialist
Independent Living Project Coordinator
Human Services Training Coordinator

Rebecca has a BA degree in Psychology from Edinboro University. She joined KidsVoice in 2003 and had seven years' prior experience in child and adolescent counseling and experiential learning.

Alicia Vance

Child Advocacy Specialist

Alicia has a BS degree in Criminal Justice from Fairmont State University.  Alicia joined KidsVoice in 2018 and had two and a half years of previous experience working with child protective services as a caseworker and six years of previous experience working as a caseworker and case manager in juvenile corrections.

Brianna Whelan

Child Advocacy Specialist

Brianna has a BSW from the University of Alabama and an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh. Brianna joined KidsVoice in 2022 and had five years of experience in in-home family counseling and foster care casework.

Mandy Sue Wolovich

Child Advocacy Specialist

Mandy has a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a JD degree from Vermont Law School. Mandy joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had over 15 years of prior experience in mental health case management, public interest law, and special education advocacy.

Jacqueline Zizzi

Child Advocacy Specialist

Jacqueline has a BA degree in Social Work from Cedar Crest College and a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Social Work. Jacqueline joined KidsVoce in 2024 bringing with her 13 years of experience with working with children and teenagers.

Nursing Consultant

Lindsey Crevar

Child Advocacy Nurse Consultant

Lindsey is KidsVoice’s dedicated nurse consultant, providing client health evaluations and coordination through a collaboration between the Child Advocacy Center at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families. Lindsey is a registered nurse with a BSN from PennWest Clarion. Lindsey joined the Child Advocacy Center as a Child Advocacy Nurse in 2018 and had 7 years of previous pediatric experience in Cardiology, Insurance, and Private Practice. She has been on full-time assignment to KidsVoice since 2021.

Legal Support

Tara Gainfort

Senior Legal Assistant

Tara has a BA degree in Politics and Philosophy with a related concentration in Latin American studies from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College. Tara joined KidsVoice in 2016 and had eight years of prior experience in the legal areas of social security disability, litigation, and general corporate law administration, as well as event management for local non-profit arts organizations.

Sheila Heath

Senior Legal Assistant

Sheila has a Paralegal Certificate from Penn State University. Sheila joined KidsVoice in 2013 and had over 10 years of prior experience as a paralegal and legal administrator.

Support Staff

Joanna Johnson

Senior Lead Regional Support Staff

Joanna joined KidsVoice in 1999 and had over 10 years of prior experience in the administrative field.

Karen McDonald

Regional Support Staff

Karen has an AS degree in Business Administration from Duff’s Business Institute. Karen joined KidsVoice in 2020 and has over 20 years of experience working in non-profits and management.

Nicole Olen

Senior Support Staff

Nicole has an AS degree from ICM School of Business. Nicole joined KidsVoice in 2008 and had over 10 years of prior administrative and family law legal secretarial experience.

Luke Westerbeck

Education Support Staff

Luke has a BA in Spanish from Duquesne University. Luke joined KidsVoice in 2023 after working in Internet Safety for Telus International for four years.

Development

Garth Graeper

Director of Development

Garth has a BA in English and Economics from Vassar College and an MA from the University of Maryland. Garth joined KidsVoice in 2018 after eight years at Penguin Random House and three years of non-profit fundraising.

Aleah Monroe

Communications Associate

Aleah joined KidsVoice in 2023 and had four years of previous experience in marketing and social media management.

Administration

Kat Lash

Receptionist

Kat has a Bachelors degree in Social work from Slippery Rock . She joined KidsVoice in 2021 with 5 years or previous casework experience.

Michelle McCully

Human Resources Manager

Michelle has a BS degree in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Michelle joined KidsVoice in 2012 with over 20 years of prior human resources experience in the banking and legal industries.

Joy Myers

Senior Office Manager

Joy has a degree in Marketing and Business Communications from Community College of Allegheny County as well as other certificates and licensing. Joy joined KidsVoice in 2016 and has a wide variety of experience in companies ranging from large corporations to non-profit organizations.  She has over 15 years' experience in reception and administrative support.

KidsVoice Boards

KidsVoice is governed by two boards. One, KidsVoice Pennsylvania, governs all local advocacy efforts while
the other, KidsVoice, governs our national work and other projects.

KidsVoice Pennsylvania

Board of Directors

Jason D'Amico

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

Debra Dermody

Community Volunteer

Treasurer

Scott Frishman

Deloitte

Rev. Brenda Gregg

Project Destiny

Buddy Hobart

Solutions 21

Ed Kabala

Fox Rothschild

Treasurer

Gregory Kaminski

Community Volunteer

Joanne La Rose

FedEx Ground

Immediate Past President

Michael Lynch

K&L Gates

Michael Moose

First National Bank

Assistant Treasurer

Chuck Moser

Cisco Systems

Daniel Rosati

Community Volunteer

President

Thomas Shields

Douglas Oil & Gas

Mark Schrott

Community Volunteer

Doug Stuver

Pittsburgh Steelers

William Thompkins

Community Volunteer

Judy Thompson

Community Volunteer

Jeffrey Upperman, M.D.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Michael Yoon

PNC Bank

KidsVoice Board of Directors

Bill Guttman

General Partner, Saturn Ventures

Vice President

Scott Hollander

KidsVoice

Ex Officio

Ed Kabala

Fox Rothschild

Immediate Past President

Tom Shields

Douglas Oil & Gas

President

Michael Yoon

PNC Bank

Treasurer

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